Arnold Holstein is a family-run business in Germany that has grown steadily since its founding in 1958. As a leading manufacturer of distillation units—also known as pot stills or alambics—the company specializes in custom-made designs for small and licensed distilleries, with capacities ranging from 20 to 300 litres. We sat down with Michael Holstein, Project Engineer and third-generation member of the founding family, to discuss the company’s legacy, its approach to sustainable design as well as what makes Holstein equipment renowned worldwide.
Can you please start by explaining what your work at Arnold Holstein consists of?
At Arnold Holstein, my role is to support customer projects throughout their entire lifecycle—from initial production planning to final commissioning. My responsibilities include coordinating the manufacturing of our distillation systems, supervising on-site assembly, and ensuring everything runs smoothly during installation and startup. I also stay closely involved after commissioning, providing technical support and service to our clients.
We often talk about distillers, but less often about the tools they use. What types of knowledge and skills are required to make a still?
The creation of a still requires a combination of metallurgical skills, traditional craftsmanship, and an understanding of the distillation process. Our craftsmen are masters of copper, the ideal material for distillation. They pay attention to every detail, from hand-hammering to precise assembly, to ensure the equipment performs well and is durable while preserving the integrity of the spirit's aromas. Additionally, by integrating the latest technology into our distillery systems, we can deliver innovative solutions, crafted with the finest workmanship, to meet each customer's unique requirements.
The Holstein family business is almost 70 years old. How important is it for you to pass on savoir-faire from one generation to the next?
Passing on know-how lies at the heart of our family business. Each generation contributes its own experience while preserving traditional craft techniques, enabling us to produce unique spirits of the highest quality. We take this responsibility very seriously to ensure the longevity of our sector and maintain the high standards of the spirits industry. Each generation brings new ideas, technologies, and perspectives, but always builds on the foundation of experience and tradition that came before. This continuity ensures that our distillation equipment reflects both the precision of modern engineering and the soul of traditional craftsmanship.
Do you feel that your profession is adequately recognised in the spirits industry and by the general public?
It's true that our field can be rather discreet. We often talk about distillers, but not so much about the tools they use. However, the quality of the still is crucial for producing exceptional spirits. We are working to raise awareness of this fact among both the industry and the general public, because behind every great spirit, there is a carefully crafted artisan still. A still is much more than just a tool; it influences the purity, finesse, and complexity of the aromas. A quality still, crafted with care and expertise, enables optimal distillation, revealing the full richness of the final product. This is why our commitment to artisanal excellence is so important.
And finally, what drives you every day in this profession? What do you think is the beauty of this work?
My daily motivation is seeing that our craftsmanship truly meets the needs of distillers and improves the quality of their products. Each still is unique, crafted with rigour and precision. Knowing that it will be used to create authentic spirits is truly satisfying. For me, the beauty of this profession lies in preserving traditional expertise while embracing technical progress and understanding the demands of the global market.
As an export sales manager, do you see sustainability becoming a competitive factor in the market for distillation equipment? If so, what environmental commitments are you putting in place at Arnold Holstein to meet your customers' expectations?
As Arnold Holstein GmbH, we clearly see sustainability becoming an increasingly important competitive factor in the global distillation equipment market. Customers across the world are placing greater emphasis on environmentally responsible production methods and energy-efficient technologies. At Arnold Holstein, we are committed to meeting these expectations through a range of initiatives. Our distillation systems are designed for long-term durability and optimised energy efficiency, helping reduce environmental impact over their lifecycle. We offer modular and upgradeable equipment that supports resource conservation and future adaptability. All our products are manufactured locally in Markdorf, which not only ensures high quality but also minimises emissions from transportation. Additionally, we actively support our clients in implementing sustainable practices, such as waste heat recovery and the integration of renewable energy sources into their distillation processes.
